Bath Man, 20, Held For Court In Disturbance

July 05, 1985|by SONIA CSENCSITS, The Morning Call

Kevin C. Kratzer, 20, of 417 Pine St., Bath, was bound over for Northampton County Court on charges of disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, terroristic threats and aggravated assault over an incident that occurred June 25.

District Justice Harold Weaver of Danielsville set bail at $3,000 and released Kratzer on his own recognizance at the hearing Wednesday.

Kratzer and two juveniles were arrested by Bath police after the incident, which began when police were called to the address to investigate a disturbance and reports of firecrackers.

Policemen Donald Ackerman and Craig Harron testified Kratzer threw two aluminum lawn chairs off the porch of his home after being cited for disorderly conduct. A second disorderly conduct charge was added after the chairs were thrown.

Kratzer testified he became "aggravated" after a discussion between his mother and police during which police said his mother told police he threw the firecracker.

Ackerman testified Kratzer kicked him, yelled, cursed and threatened to kill him during an altercation in the home. Ackerman was treated at Muhlenberg Medical Center for bruised ribs and bruises on the face and arms.

Harron testified he brought Kratzer under control by grabbing him by the neck and holding him.

Kratzer testified he did not kick or punch the police. He said he was trying to get away from the officers.

Harold J.J. DeWalt Jr., Kratzer's attorney, said Kratzer was guilty, by his own admission, of discharging a firecracker, but said all other charges should be dismissed because the charges were not lawful. He said the altercation was a domestic dispute and not a public issue and the threats did not cause fear in the policemen.

Assistant District Attorney John Spirk Jr. said the incident caused the "whole neighborhood (to wake) up" and said it would be a shame if the charges were dropped.